So I know my puppy is teething.

[UnoTheGerman]

She has a bunch of toys to choose from, and her favorite toy is, my feet. She's constantly is biting me, and only me. She chases me around trying to munch on my toes. I thought it was cute at first, but now its becoming a normal thing for her. I've tried telling her no and tapping her on the nose, but she's starting to get defensive about it, and she'll bark at me. I know she doesn't know any better but how do I handle this, before it turns into a habit?

 

[milos_mommy]

She's trying to get your attention, or play with you. Say "NO" loudly, turn away from her and ignore her. If she does it again, squeal "OW" in a high pitched voice. She's got to learn people don't play the same way puppies do (ie. biting each other).

You can also try distracting her with a chew toy after you say "NO".

 

[Barb04]

If she tries to bite you, take a wash cloth rinsed in warm water and still a little wet, and wipe her face with it. It will be like the mother licking her face to calm her down. A special person on Chaz told me about this and it has worked every time. After you wipe her face off, a calmness will come over her.

 

[milos_mommy]

Barb, I've never heard of that! It sounds like a good idea, though...

 

[bristolandrocky]

some great toys for teething pups are ones with spikes on that massage the mouth. Try squeeky spikey toys available at http://www.doggievogue.com/category/rubber-latex-dog-toys/squeaky-spiky-dog-toy

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

You are finding out the hard way that once you allow something it can quickly become a habit.

It is so hard to do, but you have to try to look at behaviors and think how they will be when the dog is grown.

For the foot biting, I would recommend 2 things. For the next little while, wear shoes that cover your toes.

The first SECOND she goes for your feet, stomp your feet several times, loudly. Make SURE not to step on the puppy. Just make noise, stomp fast, and once she stops going for your feet, stop, and toss a treat so that she moves away from you to get it. Then you can call her to you for another treat.

Once she is moving away when you start to stomp, you can give it a name. (I say get back, or get off).

When you start this, don't say anything, or look at the puppy at all. Just stamp your feet and let her learn to get out of the way.

 

[adojrts]

You thought it was cute, you taught her that it was ok to do that to you.
Tapping her on the nose and saying 'no' as you have found out wont work.
Ignore the behaviour, nothing positive or negative in work or action, give her one of her toys. I have heard of the warm wash cloth method before, I haven't used it but hear it works especially with very young pups.
You probably should put her on NILIF and you control all play, you start play and you end play, if she starts to get out of control or bite, end the play. Also remove all toys at that time so she can't self reward.

 

[BuckarooT35]

Wow, I came here to look at some posts and I saw this...Thanks for the washcloth technique as I would like to try this new one. My dog is 5 months old and raising him feels like having a terrible 3 child who looks like an angel, acts like an angel so must be an angel, but once in a while, he thought he'd play naughty and his dogplay just sometimes get out of hand...thanks, guys!!